S.J. Reisner's Blog, page 78

Should Knowledge Be Free?

Several times this past week I was actually chastised for writing occult books for money. I really think this is a topic that needs to be addressed because I think this attitude is part of a larger problem — that problem being e-Piracy.

It seems in the occult world, pirates use the "you should give it away for free because knowledge should be free" as an excuse to pirate books about magick and spirituality.

So first let me give you some background and the TRUTH about why I started writing...

Book Review: Occult Encyclopedia of Magic Squares

The Occult Encyclopedia of Magic Squares by Nineveh Shadrach is exactly what it says it is. A book of magick squares. Here's the thing about this book — it's a reference book for working magicians.  I don't see it being useful for dabblers or those who have a mild curiosity. If you're looking for something to teach you how to make or work with magick squares – this book isn't it. You need to go someplace else to get that foundational knowledge. Once you have it – this book is a wonderful...

Plans for the Year Ahead

A friend of mine said that today seems like a day to take a long and thoughtful look at goals for the year ahead.  I agree.  A lot of people start their years with New Years Resolutions. I made a resolution years ago to make no more resolutions. Instead - I start by updating my goal lists.

As an independent publisher, independent author, and small press author the first goal list I look at is the publication schedule.

First things first. I am neck deep in Into Darkness and while this book is...

Holidays

This month's FM Blog Tour post was a writing prompt called Holidays. I actually ended up with Christmas as my posting date.

So Merry Christmas! To those who celebrate other holidays – Happy Holidays!

I am going to take a moment to to share some of my thoughts about the holidays with you. Rest assured I'm not awake as this is posted. Auto-post is a brilliant feature. I actually wrote this post weeks ago. Chances are I'm sleeping in. Then later this afternoon I'll get up and go celebrate a...

December Greetings

Happy Holidays to all!

I am enjoying my holiday so far. I hope all of you are, too.  The Infernal Colopatiron has gone to print.  The day job has been busy. I've got an editor waiting for the second half of Into Darkness. But overall, things are going great.  I suspect this coming year is going to be another Ptah year and I'm excited about it. (For my loyal readers, you should be, too. When Ptah cycles around again it means I'm due for another bout of manic creativity.)

Maybe this coming year I...

It's True

Yes folks, the rumors are true. The completed Infernal Colopatiron was sent to my editor over this past weekend and I'm sending at least the first part of Into Darkness into editing this weekend. For ID we had to find another editor because my usual editor at Darkerwood had a death in the family. Really, if it hasn't been one thing it's been another with this book.

With any luck IC will be finished, proofed and off to the printer by the end of the month provided nothing major is wrong with...

Switched "Sneak Peek"

Author's Note: Please note that this preview is safe for all audiences. I chose a scene I think captures the essence of the forthcoming novel. Yes, there will be plenty of steamy hot sex scenes, but there's a real page-turner story here, too.  So please enjoy this preview and know that it has NOT undergone editing yet. So forgive me if there are any glaring errors here. I did attempt to edit it to the best of my ability, but you know how that goes. As an author I'm sometimes too close to my m...

Coming Out of the Broom Closet

Coming out of the broom closet. That's a phrase a lot of pagans and witches use when it comes to telling their families that they're witches and no longer Christian, or whatever brand of religion they formerly practiced (or pretended to practice).  I know all about coming out of the broom closet. Been there, done that. Having also been around for a long time I've been witness to a lot of comings out, too. While it's hard enough for someone to come out as a Witch or Pagan, it's even worse for ...

Winter Wonderland

You know, I don't mind snow all that much if I don't have to drive in it. This weekend was one of those weekends I didn't have to drive in it – and therefore it was beautiful.  I loved sitting on the couch, covered in cat, sipping a cup of cocoa while the snow fell.

Perhaps I should have at least gone outside, but as I get older I detest the cold and will do whatever I can to avoid it.  If that means staying in – it means staying in. I know some people who go for walks in the snow. I'm not...

The Day Hell Froze Over

In honor of the Holiday Season I always give this story away for free. If you love it, you can buy a print copy (replete with silly pictures) from Lulu.com and you can download it for your Kindle and your Nook (.99 cents each).  Or, you can just read it here for free. The PDF can also be downloaded for free below – though you might have to go through a bit of a process before the computer allows the download. Sorry if that's a hassle. All of this said I give you a FREE short story — The Day...